DARG

DARG is always looking for volunteers. If you’re over 18, interested in volunteering, but aren’t sure what it’s going to involve, here’s what you need to know. Whatever your skills and interests, there’s a way you can contribute!

• You can choose how often and when you volunteer. It is great if you can commit to a regular day to come in, but we understand that this is your free time, so there’s no obligation to agree to dates upfront. Some people volunteer all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Others come in once a month, or simply pop in for a few hours when they have some spare time. One fabulous lady comes out all the way from Austria once a year and volunteers for a solid month!

• Volunteers can do different types of work. You aren’t forced to do any tasks you aren’t comfortable with. Some people brush cats and dogs, or walk dogs. Others simply spend time with the animals, giving them attention and affection, and observing them to see that they are in good health and good spirits. If you have the facilities you can even foster puppies or other animals in need of intensive TLC. Do you love people as much as you love animals? Once you are familiar with the adoption requirements and the animals at DARG you can show people the different pets that are up for adoption. You can also help by sorting and pricing goods for the second-hand shop, weeding and gardening, doing environmental clean-ups on the farm and along the river bank, or by doing simple handyman work, tiling and painting.

• Even if you can’t come in to work at the DARG adoption centre, there are ways to help. Refer people to this website. Forward the details of animals looking for homes to your friends. Have a cake sale or pet-food drive at your school or work. Give us old household goods that we can sell for fundraising. Forward our wish list to friends and colleagues. Write about us. Link from your blog or website to ours. Or chat to our staff to find other ways to put your skills and connections to good use.

If you’d like to volunteer, you can call DARG on 021 790-0383/2050, or simply come in to the adoption centre and try it out.

And to our existing volunteers – THANK YOU!